!GM PDK'S HELL'S REBELS (CORE PFS Book 1)! (Inactive)

Game Master Purple Dragon Knight

Kranzer says, looking about the place, "Maybe there's some kinda ghost in 'ere. But you'd think it'd come out and try an' make one of us kill the other, eh? That's always been my experience with haunts an' such. Or I suppose they just come out wailing and half of us stand around drooling. Or it could be someone that's just invisible messin' with us. Some Asmodean spy. Though, if that were the case, don't you think we'd've been found out by now?"

"None of this sounds very reassurin'... squawwk! until we find out who did this me and my sisters are gonna be takin' watches down here. And you guys should help too. Aren't you guys supposed to be our leaders anyway? who's our team's leader? we've been here 3 days hunkered down and doin' nuthin! I though I was going nuts hearin' noises and stuff, until the wall fell on poor Treep... now I'm scared to sleep down here!"

"I will take watch with you! And we can tell stories. I'd like to know more about you all. After tonight, let's get you out of here and help us out!"

She begins to methodically search the room, looking for more signs of sabotage or anything else out of place. "Let's be sure this doesn't happen again," she says.

Haunts, pfft. Not one that uses a chisel like an amateur.

Each of you can manage one team, except Andracar, who can manage 4.

The elf asks the Fushi sisters "What do you like to do best? I'll lead you gladly!"

Go ahead and add them to Merisiel in the rebellion sheet. Looking in the intro document, it's not totally clear to me what they would be best used for.

Merisiel chats with them as she pokes at old stones, bricks, and searches behind joists and timbers in the underground chamber. She listens to the creaks and groans from all around.

She continues to search the room until satisfied that the area is safe from traps.

They are a unique bonus team - those are shown on a different tab at the bottom of the Rebellion Sheet.

Merisiel is satisfied there are no traps - this wall was directly chiseled out to weaken it.

When you get back upstairs, Laria motions for all of you to step into her office, and listens to your account of the events downstairs. "That is disturbing... whoever sabotaged this wall didn't come through my shop. I would have seen that person or would have noticed the door to the basement opened at odd times. I keep that sucker locked at all times and you guys and the Fushi Sisters are the only ones with the other two existing copies..."

Laria takes a long sip of an overly large mug of coffee, and continues, "Well, we can't afford to dwell on things. You all were lucky the other day in that street! Very lucky! I just heard that Thrune found the Red Jill's hideout and... cleansed the place... unfortunately, not everyone has been as lucky as you've been since Thrune took power. I've been thinking... There's this group of mercenaries who are being held in Sallix Salt Works in Old Kintargo. These mercenaries are led by a man named Forvian Crowe—a rogue I worked with before... I believe him and his mercs would be a valuable addition to the Silver Ravens. Perhaps more importantly, the guards that Thrune stationed at Sallix Salt Works are not official members of the Church of Asmodeus or the government; they are contracted mercenaries, and as such, any deaths or accidents they incur, say, wouldn’t draw the degree of retribution that similar acts against government officials would, he he he. Mercenaries watchin' mercenaries, now that I think of it! A raid on Sallix Salt Works, in other words, is the perfect opening gambit for the Silver Ravens to begin building their reputation in Kintargo as defenders of the people without incurring the full wrath of House Thrune, in my humble opinion."

City Map updated

"That sounds like a good mission, Laria. I don't mind a scrap if it won't blow our cover, or bring reprisals down on the innocent. Mercs do turn on each other now and then, maybe we can make it look like that.
As to the sabotage, could somebody have come in from the undercity? Does the Wasp Nest connect to the greater tunnel network? If so, perhaps we should follow the tunnels to the Salt Works as much as we can. That might give us a chance to encounter our saboteurs.
It would be great for us if the tunnels actually went under the river, so we could bypass the bridge. Otherwise it would be trivial for Hellknights to cut us off on one side of the city."

"That is reassuring Laria." Merisiel says. "I would hate to think that people are getting in there without you knowing."

Kavor does have a good idea. What else is linked to the wasps nest?

She turns to the Fushi sisters. "You said you wanted to help. Do you think you can do some scouting in the city? We're short on information and could use the help! You can do that while we do other things and we can catch up with you later. Then you won't just be sitting around!"

Action: gather information for this week for the Fushi sisters!

"That sounds like a good mission, Laria"

"The silver star that burned down was really close to Olmer's smithy!" Merisiel shakes her head. "Serves me right for leaping in without thinking! We missed a bit of a chance to go there. I'd like to get back there later. The salt works seems really urgent right now though. I'm all in!"

Merisiel will vote for doing the mission asap. If it is allowed, Merisiel would like to buy a horse on the way as it could be useful to carry anyone that is injured.

Proposed purchases, no need to roleplay unless you really want to: Light Combat-Trained Horse (110gp), Carriage (100gp), Riding Saddle (30gp), Bit and Bridle (2gp), Saddlebags (4gp), 5x Feed (2sp 5cp), 4x Bread (8cp), 4x Cheese (4sp), 4x Jug (1sp 2cp), 3x Blanket (1gp 5sp) for total cost 248gp, 3sp, 5cp

Merisiel addresses Kavor. "I don't think there are tunnels under the river from here, but there are sewers. Might be worth doing, and would be a big job. What do you say we get the mercs to safety first?"

"I agree Merisiel. But the Salt Works are on the other side of the river from us, so that is why I asked about tunnels. It's part of the mercenary job. We need some way to cross the river. We can take the bridge, but it might be watched. Or we could take a boat. My wand of disguise can be useful for any who can use it, and mundane disguises for the rest would not be bad. Especially our freed mercenaries.
It takes advanced expertise and special techniques to tunnel under a river (or just great depth), but it can be done. I don't know who made these old tunnels or how extensive they are."
Is there a guard post on the bridge?

Merisiel looks at her classic red leather armor and multiple daggers and sighs. "Ok, I guess I could try and blend in a bit. I'll add that to my shopping list."

A disguise is not a bad idea. Just a simple change of clothing will help me be less obvious.

She shrugs. ”Fine with me if you want to ask about tunnels under the bridge itself. As far as I know, there are none but you never know.”

”My plan is simple. We go rescue them, make sure they are not injured, and then get them somewhere safe.” She smiles. ”I’m game to follow you and the party into the sewers, but just beware there could be worse threats in there than we find on the streets."

She finishes with another thought. "We already know we can cross the river. We also don't know if once we rescue the mercenaries they may have their own ideas about where to lay low. We could be inventing problems before they exist.”

"Also, if we get a horse or two and a carriage, we can move around and blend in with other merchants travelling within the city."

Revised purchase targets: Light Combat-Trained Horse (110gp), Carriage (100gp), Riding Saddle (30gp), Bit and Bridle (2gp), Saddlebags (4gp), 5x Feed (2sp 5cp), 4x Bread (8cp), 4x Cheese (4sp), 4x Jug (1sp 2cp), Traveler's Outfit (1gp), Waterskin (1gp), 3x Blanket (1gp 5sp), total cost 250gp 3sp 5cp.

@Kavor: About the bridge
About the sewers
@Meri: kudos on the horse and cart and blankets... this could... come in handy, you know... should you... have some freed mercenaries that need hiding until you get to the Wasp's Nest! :)

Assuming there is agreement on the horse and carriage idea, Merisiel will head out with some of the party to pick them up. Additionally, she'll buy some common travelers clothes that include a cloak and hat to cover up her iconic look.

Additionally, as much as the pregen is very well designed she has no food, waterskin, or clothing. I'll pick up a few of those things at the same time, assuming it doesn't add much time.

Once the purchases are made, she'll rendezvous back at the coffeehouse to see if a decision has been made.

Even if we don't use this now, it should be great for moving things through the city!

"I don't mind riding around in a fancy carriage. Sounds like a plan to me."

I updated Geo's prepared spells.

Thanks.
The sewers/tunnels are really just old basements and roads and so wouldn't go under the river.
But the bridge is a busy market during the daytime so if we take care to blend into the crowd we should be okay.
Boats are an option if the bridge gets closed off at some point.
"Thanks Merisiel, that sounds good. I think you have a solid plan."

You've arrived at Sallix Salt Works, horse drawn cart and all. It's a clear, bright blue sky kind of day, and the front door lies a few feet ahead from your parked horse and cart. Behind you to the east you see the walls of Kintargo and the battlements, soldiers walking along the top going about their patrols. You hear the shouts and sounds of men working inside Sallix Salt Works, and also the sound of people talking/laughing.

Battle/City maps updated

”I’ll scout through the front door” Merisiel says to the others, hitching the horse up and hopping down from the saddle. ”Just get ready to back me up!”

She heads over to the front door and attempts to open it without being too obvious.

Stealthy...1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

Merisiel you are able to sneak into the building unseen! you see six men in rough shape working in an insanely hot and dry environment. One of them has an eye-patch and aside from that, appears to fit the rough description of Forvian Crowe based on your conversation with Laria.

Their captors are all sitting around a table playing cards and drinking ale, laughing and heedless of your presence. The man beside you is pushing a heavy cart full of wet salt, and upon seeing you, says nothing and he tries to suppress the look of hope that's dawning on his face.

1d20 ⇒ 7

The drinking jailers have not noticed him noticing you. As he pushes the cart towards the ledge towards Forvian and the other guy, do you follow in a crouch so that you remain hidden by the cart or do you exit the building right away to report to the others?

Room Descriptions:
D1. Front Office: This room is where the bulk of business
operations take place.
D2. Salt Pit: Taking up most of the building’s space,
the salt pit is 30 feet deep and lined with clay. A series
of flues run through the walls, connecting to the three
chimneys around the silo’s circumference, making the
entire chamber a warm, arid desert with constant
airflow from above. A small dock extends over the pit,
with pulleys and hooks above. A layer of salt constantly
dries on the floor below. The job of turning the salt to
ensure it dries well, combined with harvesting dry salt
into buckets for loading into sacks, is a grueling and
painful task.

Merisiel quickly points at herself, then holds up several fingers to indicate there are more people. She backs up just outside the door, still in sight of the man pushing the cart and waves the others over.

Hopefully he waits while I signal the others!

She will then stealth back to the cart if she can still make it. She counts the number of enemies and draws a dagger from beneath her cloak.

I could grow to like disguises

Ok everyone; line yourselves up in front of the door outside. You will all get an action in the surprise round. You can take as many rounds as you want beforehand to buff, but I'm gonna roll initiative for surprise round and your first move or standard (post-buffs) will be done from your chosen outside location on the map.

BUFFS: UNLIMITED ROUNDS!

WHEN ALL DONE BUFFIN', THEN THIS: [Bold may go!]

SURPRISE ROUND:
Kranzer
Andracar
Merisiel
Geo
Kavor
Shrec

ROUND 1
Kranzer
Andracar
Merisiel
Geo
Kavor
BAD DUDES!!!
Shrec

I have a wand of mage armor that I no longer need, but can't sell back (used prestige, then bought armor instead...). So if anyone wants one cast on them, simply say so in your post and I will subtract the charges.

Geo pulls out two wands, one of magic missle and the other of sleep. He will step 5' into the doorway and start casting sleep (Will DC 11) in the center of the table (to get all the bad guys, even though it won't affect all), assuming Kanzer moves in. Then he will drop the wand.

Round 1
When the casting completes, he will move another 5' into the room, and draw a dagger as well.

On the way over, Kavor Doan asks, "I assume our plan is force. No scheme or trick? Okay.
Is our plan to kill all of the guards or to kill none of them? It would be pushing our luck to once again kill some and leave others alive.
I'll strike with the flat of the blade if you want me to, or strike to kill, whatever everyone else is doing."
He preps with his wand of Shield (wand now at 33).
Geoclunicus, thanks for the offer - might take you up on that later. Kavor Doan switches between mode A (fullplate with wands and V-only spells) mode B (unarmored with a wider spell selection). So Mage Armor could come in useful for mode B.

Kavor Doan waits for Merisiel's signal.
He will move into the building in the surprise round (to the square northeast of the wagon), then makes a charge attack on Orange during the first full round. This should let him get AOOs on both Pink and Orange if they try to stand.

He will be doing non-lethal damage if that is the plan, or striking to kill if that is the plan.

Just moved the token for the surprise round action so far, as the actions or comments of others could change what he does.

Standing up from sitting or kneeling doesn't provoke AoOs; only standing up from prone does; everyone: post your dice rolls and don't 'wait' for others' actions as this is going to make a mess of things. Just post as normal: the only diff is that you get an extra move or standard action from the surprise round. Except for Shrec.... Shrec bides his time... Shrec is zen-like when he prepares to rage for the first time on a given day... :)

Will Pink: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3
Will Orange: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17
Will Green: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5
Will Yellow: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8

Orange manages to stay awake, but Pink, Orange and Yellow slump forward and start sleeping on the table.

Kavor Doan charges, trying to knock Orange out.
Attack, Charge, Non-lethal: 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 2 - 4 = 7
Using my Folio reroll on that.
Attack, Charge, Non-lethal: 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 2 - 4 = 19
Damage, Non-lethal: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
AC 22 for this round

”It’s safest to attack them normally if they resist. Doesn’t mean we need to kill them. They might also just surrender at a point.” Merisiel retroactively discusses with Kavor on the way over.

The cloaked elf moves partway towards orange during the surprise round, and completes her move during the normal round to flank orange. She strikes for his back!

Backstab! 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 2 = 11 damage: 1d20 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 2 + (5, 4) = 14 flanking, sneak attack

That sun really got to my head! I wouldn’t usually miss that shot...

”Throw down your weapons!”

[Bold may go!]

SURPRISE ROUND:
Kavor
Geo
Merisiel
Kranzer
Andracar
Shrec

ROUND 1
Geo
Kavor
Merisiel
Kranzer
Andracar
BAD DUDES!!! [yellow/green/pink: sleep; orange: -10 disabled; blue 0]
Shrec

"I'm comin'!"

Kranzer hustles in through the door, flicking out his short swords and charges into the fray.

Surprise round move in. Round 1 action charge blue.

mwk shortsword, charge: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 = 14
DMG, sneak attack: 1d6 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 3 + (4, 4) = 14

Andracar in his surprise round simply moves into position. Once the battle proper starts, he moves in further but still isn't quite in the range he wants for his abilities, so he simply takes up a defensive stance. Full Defense.

Shrec moves in as that is all he can do in the surprise round.

Kranzer's strike cannot penetrate Blue's chainmail and heavy shield!

Orange 5-foot steps, clearly in shock at his massive wounds, and pleads for mercy, which gets him a very angry look from Blue.

Blue steps to Andracar, pulling a MW mace, and attempts to strike the gnome!

mwk heavy mace, vs. Andracar's Total Defence AC 17: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 for 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 bludgeoning damage. [HIT!]

ROUND 1 [bold may post]
Geo
Kavor
Merisiel
Kranzer
Andracar -7
BAD DUDES!!! [yellow/green/pink: sleep; orange: -10 disabled; blue 0]
Shrec

Round 2 - following Shrec’s attack

Merisiel says to orange ”Surrender accepted, throw down your weapons.” She then will move to flank blue, assuming there is still a spot available to do so after Shrec’s attack. She tosses her dagger aside and draws a rapier as she moves.

Rapier, Flanking: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 2 = 16 Damage, Sneak Attack: 1d6 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 3 + (2, 4) = 13

Kavor Doan will point to Blue and shout to his comrades, "No need to kill him! We're not monsters, and it's six on one!"

"But he hit me!" Andracar protests, a fair bruise developing where he had been struck.

I realize it's still not my turn. Post added for RP only.

Merisiel peers at their foe to get a better look. Now what's so special about you?

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

"No need to waste your life for money!" she says to their remaining combatant.

***whrr-tschzz-tschzz-tschzz-chk***
~~BOTTING SHREC~~
(2nd time)
hit: 7 + 1d20 ⇒ 7 + (17) = 24 as he swings at blue dmg: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (3, 5) + 7 = 15 slashing and magical dmg. [HIT!]

Shrec creates a large gash in the dwarf's chainmailed right flank. Merisiel moves to flank the dwarf but the rapier is stopped by her opponent's shield.

Orange man lies down on the floor, hands behind his head, saying "Don't kill me... I got kids!"

ROUND 2 [bold may post]
Merisiel
Geo
Kavor
Kranzer
Andracar -7
BAD DUDES!!! [yellow/green/pink: sleep; orange: -10 disabled; blue -15]
Shrec

Kavor Doan moves around Blue, taking an AOO (though he is AC 24). He charges his axe with his arcane might again.
Moving there to leave space for Kranzer to get into a flank.
"Just business. Why not be smart like your friend?"
He readies to attack for non-lethal damage as soon as Kranzer is flanking, unless Blue surrenders of course.

"Why? because ASMODEUS DOES NOT SUFFER WEAKLINGS!" says blue, attempting to AoO Kavor as he passes by.

mwk heavy mace vs. Kavor's AC 24: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 for 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 bludgeoning damage.

The red bearded dwarf's mace is deflected at the last minute by the energies of Kavor's active shield spell!

"Eh... kill him if you want. We tried."

GM LOLs on this Friday morning! :D The difference someone's statement can make on a Neutral Good's willingness to defend him can be both massive and immediate! :) Thank God for the real-world Rule of Law and its often tedious processes and protocols! :P :P :P It no doubt affords more stability to the world than morality alone! :)

Kranzer moves up and tries to slip his short sword between the dwarf's armor.

"Works fer me! Never liked smug Asmodeeeughs anyway!"

mwk shortsword, flanking: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 2 = 23
DMG (slashing), sneak attack: 1d6 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 3 + (4, 5) = 13

Andracar steps back and readies his wand to missile the thug should he not fall from the onslaught already being perpetrated by the others.

Missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Not a combat action, chatter only for RP in between turns.

Merisiel moves to flank the dwarf but the rapier is stopped by her opponent's shield.

"Why such a true believer?" Merisiel says as she circles the mercenary. "What has Asmodeus ever done for you? The gods don't care about us. We can only strive for profit and another sunrise.

She watches as Kranzer and Andracar make contact with steel and magic. "We probably have more in common than you think. You know this fight isn't worth it for you. Is there nothing left you care about?"

***whrr-tschzz-tschzz-tschzz-chk***
~~BOTTING GEO~~
DELAY

Kranzer and Andracar ravage the red bearded dwarf! all enemies appear disabled or sleeping in this main working area! however... reinforcements arrive from the north!

Two human goons open the double doors and draw light maces, while two more in the back row throw tanglefoot bags at Merisiel and Kavor!

Tanglefoot vs. Merisiel Touch AC 15, Increment 3: -4: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 1 - 4 = -2 Miss: 1d8 ⇒ 3
Tanglefoot vs. Kavor Touch AC 12, Increment 3: -4: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 1 - 4 = 14
One of the sacks comes apart and goo bursts out, entangling Kavor! the other one completely misses Merisiel and falls on the red bearbed dwarf's head! (blue)
Kavor and Blue gain the entangled condition; -2 to attack rolls and -4 penalty to Dex; need Reflex Save DC 15 or be glued to the floor as well!! (if this happens, STR check or slashing damage to the hardened goo will be required in order to liberate yourself from that spot)

A stranged feathered creature hover behind the four thugs at an altitude of 5 feet, and uttering arcane syllables, attempts to engulf Merisiel in a line of fire!!!
Ranged Touch vs. Merisiel Touch AC 15: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 [MISS!!]
Knowledge Local to id creature.

ROUND 2 [bold may post]
Merisiel
Kavor
Kranzer
Andracar -7
Geo
BAD DUDES!!! [yellow/green/pink: sleep; orange: -10 disabled; blue -30 disabled white 0 black/teal/purple/gray 0]
Shrec

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Kavor Doan avoids the worst of the tanglefoot bag, though some shreds of it still slow him down.
AC 23 at the moment; Dex was already capped by armor, so -4 Dex from Entangled is only -1 AC.

Shrec moves, Shrec swings power attack hit: 7 + 1d20 - 2 ⇒ 7 + (20) - 2 = 25 dmg: 2d8 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (3, 5) + 7 + 6 = 21

Edit: confirm crit hit: 7 + 1d20 - 2 ⇒ 7 + (16) - 2 = 21
crit dmg: 2d8 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (8, 1) + 7 + 6 = 22

Shrec cuts gray in half!! token taken out of the map

ROUND 3 [bold may post]
Merisiel
Kavor
Kranzer
Andracar -7
Geo
BAD DUDES!!! [yellow/green/pink: sleep; orange: -10 disabled; blue -30 disabled white 0 black/teal/purple/gray 0]
Shrec

"Stand down - you're overmatched and this is just business."
Kavor Doan casts True Strike and draws his bola.

Round 3 - Initiative 20

Merisiel tumbles to the west side of the door, opposite Shrec. Let them come through the door and we've got them flanked!

Acrobatics to avoid AOOs 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

As she moves she draws a dagger and throws it at teal.

Dagger, thrown 25', into combat 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 1 - 4 = 14 Damage 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

If any enemy comes through the door and tries to pass her by she will AOO with her already drawn +1 rapier.